Sergio Canales at Deportivo — Career and Legacy
April 10, 2026 · Mark
Sergio Canales Madrazo (born 16 February 1991, Santander) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder. He spent the 2012–13 season on loan at Deportivo de La Coruña from Real Sociedad — a loan spell that coincided with one of the most challenging periods in the club’s recent history.
Career Overview
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Racing de Santander | 2008–2010 | 51 | 7 |
| Real Madrid | 2010–2013 | 16 | 1 |
| Valencia (loan) | 2011–2012 | 24 | 4 |
| Deportivo de La Coruña (loan) | 2012–2013 | 28 | 4 |
| Real Sociedad | 2013–2016 | 70 | 12 |
| Valencia | 2016–2018 | 50 | 6 |
| Real Betis | 2018–2023 | 148 | 35 |
| Al-Qadsiah | 2023– | — | — |
At Deportivo (2012–13)
Canales arrived at Deportivo in January 2013 on loan from Real Sociedad. He made 28 appearances and contributed 4 goals in what was a difficult season for the club — Deportivo were ultimately relegated from La Liga at the end of 2012–13, finishing 18th with just 30 points.
Despite the team’s struggles, Canales showed flashes of the talent that had made him one of Spanish football’s most exciting young prospects. His technical quality was evident even in a side fighting relegation.
Career Context
Canales had been one of the most highly-rated young Spanish players of his generation when Real Madrid signed him from Racing de Santander for around €7 million in 2010. However, a serious knee injury in his first season at Madrid disrupted his development significantly.
The loan spell at Deportivo came during the rebuilding phase of his career. He would go on to fulfil much of his promise at Real Betis, becoming one of the most important players in the club’s recent history and earning a return to the Spanish national team.
International Career
Canales has represented Spain at youth level (U16 through U21) and earned senior international caps. His career trajectory — from prodigious talent to serious injury to patient rebuild — makes him an admirable figure in Spanish football.